John Sadler’s charge Switch redeems herself with a victory in the A Gleam Handicap
Switch has finally returned to her old self and, made a great comeback in the Grade 2 A Gleam Handicap at the Betfair Hollywood Park on 14th July, 2012.
With this win, the five-year-old mare has earned herself a spot in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint since this was a “Win and You’re In’’ race for the Breeders’ Cup.
Teamed with jockey Garrett K. Gomez, she handled the seven furlong track well and regained her lost glory when she finished 1 ¾ lengths ahead of the Ronald L. McAnally trained, Sugarinthemorning.
The third place was secured by the Bob Baffert trained, Glamorista, who fell 2 ¼ lengths behind the runner-up.
The winner completed the race in 1 minute and 24.37 seconds.
Since winning the Santa Monica Stakes, the daughter of Quiet American, out of mare Antoniette, failed in many other attempts. She ran in the 1 1/8 mile long Grade 1 Santa Margarita but, failed to secure the victory.
The pacesetter of the race was Izzy Rules, who set quick fractions, completed the opening quarter-mile in 22.21 seconds and, crossed the half-mile mark in 45.07 seconds.
Gomez tactfully handled this and made some ground from the outside.
With four furlongs remaining, the real battle was between Izzy Rules, American Lady, Teddy's Promise, and Sugarinthemorning.
Switch made her winning move in the closing stages of the race and, notched victory with her final strides.
Despite her best efforts, the mare also failed to down the Grade 1 Apple Blossom Stakes where she finished as a runner-up.
This was the victory she needed to restore the confidence of her connections. After several failed attempts, this victory was welcomed.
Trainer John Sadler breathed a sigh of relief when, Switch broke through the wire first, he discussed the Kentucky bred runner’s future plans and stated:
"We ended up strong, so that’s really good. There were a lot of Saturdays through the middle of the meet here where we were second or third, and we’re supposed to be winning those races. I’m very relieved and happy, and we’ll keep working. That’s our
program."
Switch’s victory indicated that she is just as good as she previously was. A lot of people were skeptical about her form but, she proved herself.
For Sadler, Switch was not the only source of joy as Lady Of Shamrock aced the American Oaks and, Scherer Magic claimed the Hollywood Juvenile Championship, giving the renowned trainer, three massive graded victories.
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